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Abstract
This study analyzed alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) references in lyrics of popular music over a 50-year time period. The study sample was comprised of Billboard Hot 100 year-end songs from 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, and 2009 (N = 1100). Songs were coded for inclusion of ATOD references, including ATOD-related motivations and associations. Trend analyses were used to test for an increase in ATOD references across the study years. Regression analysis was used to compare the presence of ATOD references in lyrics from 1959 with other study years. Male artists’ lyrics (OR = 2.163; p = 0.029; CI = 1.080–4.333), non-White artists’ lyrics in 1999 and 2009 (OR = 2.670; p < 0.001; CI = 1.554–4.586), and 2009 lyrics (OR = 3.439; p = 0.003; CI = 1.515–7.809), were significantly more likely to contain ATOD references. The most common ATOD-related motivations were related to sexual activity, mood management, and celebrating or partying.